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Revans University - The University of Action Learning Online Catalog

Our Philosophy - Action Learning

"Action Learning is ideally suited to helping individuals explore and take action regarding career options. "
(Marquardt)

Most managers spend more time doing than thinking. Many management-training courses spend more time on thinking than doing, emphasizing the teaching of concept and theory. Action Learning, by focusing on doing and reviewing, suits most managers very well and, by providing them with opportunities to solve real problems in their own workplace and learn from that experience, helps them to improve their managerial performance and, in turn, can lead to increased profits.

The truth is that Action Learning is one of a number of effective management development techniques. It is particularly attractive to a great many managers while producing immediate and tangible dividends for their sponsoring organization through the project work, which is an intrinsic part of all Revans University programs.

Dr. Michael J Marquardt, Revans University Faculty Advisor, Professor Human Resource Development at George Washington University and author of 'Action Learning in Action' has become the leading authority of Action Learning in the United States. He says:

"Action learning is not only an effective problem solving process, but also a valuable tool to a growing number of organizations around the world by creating successful leaders, teams and individuals."

Action Learning in practice

In Action Learning managers learn to take effective action by reviewing and interpreting their experience in order to identify what it is which they have learned.

A systematic approach to learning focused primarily on the dynamics of the manager's role and environment, rather than simply grasping random opportunities as and when they arise, ensures that managers learn much more efficiently. This can be achieved through Action Learning programs, such as those offered by Revans University.

Revans University - The University of Action Learning program has four basic features:

  • Projects or problems on which to work
  • A group of "cohorts in adversity", with whom to interact, known as a "Set".
  • A "Set Adviser" and Tutors to facilitate the learning process
  • Flexibility to fit in with your own learning needs

Action Learning is a sociable activity, not something that you do on your own. It needs a group of people - whether they are physicists, construction foremen, bank managers or a mixture of all three. A "Set" is the name given to the group of Associates (Revans University's name for students) - real managers - working on real problems in a real time-frame, looking for real solutions using Action Learning techniques.

'Based on the relatively simple principle that learning is about recognizing not what we know but what we don't know , action learning involves participants meeting in small groups, usually consisting of 4 to 6 people, with or without a facilitator. According to Revans they become 'comrades in adversity'. Groups members ask each other questions about how they see the problems being considered. The idea is that each participant acts as a mirror to help the group recognize what it doesn't know. The learning should be self-managed, is usually project-based and focuses on finding a solution.'

Levy M, "SAGE OF REASON", People Management, Vol. 6, No 25 Dec.2000

People work best together when faced with some difficulty or challenge. Each member of the Set is as important as every other member of the Set and each has a contribution to make. Each needs to find solutions to real and pressing problems. They need to be able to support, advise and freely criticize one another. The strength of the Set is a crucial factor and widely credited with our highly successful completion rates.

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